Bengaluru: After taking a break for Deepavali, Bengalureans returned to their neighbourhood parks and lakes Saturday as The Times of India’s #IamBengaluru – Volunteer for Parks initiative resumed with conservation and nature-awareness activities across four locations.At Jakkur Lake Park, volunteers joined Jalaposhan for de-weeding and trenching activities. At Kasturinagar Lake Park, Team Social Spotlight (TSS) conducted a tree walk, during which students from CMR Institute of Technology (CMRIT) learnt about trees, medicinal plants and their ecological significance. TSS also organised a nature-immersive mandala session at Bhashyam Park, while Youth for Seva led a clean-up drive at BDA Park in Vinayaka Layout.The activities brought together students, residents and volunteers, reinforcing the importance of citizen participation in maintaining the city’s green spaces.The #IamBengaluru – Volunteer for Parks initiative, presented by Multigen in association with Kristu Jayanti University and supported by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), encourages citizens to take ownership of their neighbourhood parks and contribute to a greener Bengaluru. To discover activities in your neighbourhood, visit https://iambengaluru.co.in.“Parks are vital to Bengaluru’s green cover and clean air. Young people should take the lead in keeping these spaces clean and planting more greenery. I enjoy gardening at home, and volunteering gives me an opportunity to contribute to the city’s green spaces,” said Chandan, student, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering.“We all enjoy the peace and greenery that Bengaluru’s parks offer, but maintaining them cannot be govt’s responsibility alone. Even if each of us volunteers for just two hours a month, the collective effort can make a real difference”added Neeraj Mathpati, student, CMR Institute of Technology.“Bengaluru is known as the Garden City, but urbanisation is putting its green spaces under pressure. Protecting parks is also about conserving trees, birds and wildlife. I want to do my part to preserve these natural habitats for future generations,” said Kushal, student, CMR Institute of Technology.M Sravan Reddy, software engineer and Nagavara resident said, “I first volunteered at Jakkur Lake on a whim, but the calm of the early mornings and the satisfaction of giving back kept bringing me here. What began as a spontaneous decision has become a regular habit and something I genuinely look forward to.”“We came to plant creepers but went back having learnt the stories of trees and rare medicinal plants. The nature walk helped us understand how much there is to discover and to protect in the green spaces around us,” said Sridevi S, head of Wellbeing Club, CMR Institute of Technology.“Parks are more than green spaces that beautify our city. They are places where people connect with nature, find calm and spend time with their families. For me, they are spaces of healing and rejuvenation. As Bengalureans, we have a responsibility to care for what the city gives us” added Paddy, mentor of Team Social Spotlight & founder trustee of Save Tiger First.
